Total knee replacement and swimming

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am now nearly 7 weeks post op and doing pretty well. I am thinking the swimming pool may be a good next step .I need to strengthen my muscles and if I could lose a bit of weight in  the process that would be a big bonus .Are there any no nos , things I shouldn't be doing? And things I should ,  Any advise welcome 

thanks 

2

I think that's an excellent idea Pam.  I think providing the staples have been removed ok, and there's no sign of any 'problems' with the scar, then swimming should be fine.  It's definitely a non-impact type activity (which they do tell you to avoid), and requires movement of the knee joint no matter which stroke you choose.  I don't know if it's correct, but I was told, pretty much any type of exercise is good (non-impact) and I was also told you can't overbend it (providing you could stand the pain)...apparently you can't 'break' anything.  Not sure how true that is though

3

Yes, that's much what I have been told .i thought someone mentioned not doing breast stroke !! . I am a bit worried about slipping over etc , so I will wait for the school hols to be over , maybe a bit quieter . 

4

Morning,

I am nearly 9 weeks post op and had three hydrotherapy sessions at the hospital in the first few weeks.  Managed more than I could ever do on land. However, we are not ducks and have since been working hard with my Physiotherapist in the gym and home exercises which we all know are essential.

My therapist said swimming is excellent, but breaststroke is NOT advised for tkr patients.  

Hope this helps. And be careful not to slip!

5

I don't disbelieve you about the breast stroke, but does anyone know why?.....Seems to me, that stroke would require the most amount of 'bend' on the knee!...Surely that's good isn't it?...

6

One would guess it is because of just that pete, a little too much of a bend and a bit of a twist, probably not good for people recovering.

7

That's what I had heard , I should have asked my Physio , next app is over 2 weeks away ..if anyone can ask physio sooner, let me know please  thank you 

8

Seeing mine tomorrow, Pam.  Will double-check for you.

9

I'm not altogether sure how that fits with the advice of being told, you can't hurt or damage anything my 'overbending' (again assuming you could do that without screaming in pain).....<puzzled dot com>

10

Oooooh....I'd be interested in hearing what they say about it Lynn....there seems to be a conflict of advice, depending who you talk to.

11

As I said, will check again tomorrow.

Better safe than sorry and all that ......

12

Dear Pam

I could run, jump in the water, but I could not swim.  My knee felt uncomfortable when tring to move it when doing crawl or in classic style.

13

That's interesting , still running and jumping would be good lol 

14

Dear Pam

I suppose as I am half the weight in the water it is much easier to run or jump. The Physio told me to walk  backwoods and sideways in the water, also to bend leg backwards in the water.  I also wim without kicking my legs, it makes arms stronger.  Good luck!

15

The breast stroke is not advisable, because  requires a side kick. For me it is very unplasant to kick with the operatied leg in any direction.  My knee does not like any sudden movements of any kind.

16

That all makes good sence , if I turn quickly in bed it hurts my knee , so will be careful on that one thank you 

17

Hi,

My Physiotherapist reiterated that breast stroke is NOT advisable because it involves too much rotation of the new knee.  So it is the rotation and not the bend which can cause problems.

18

Hi Lynn,

Thanks for the info...I didn't realise there was 'that' much rotation involved, but thinking about it...there probably is!

19

Hi Lynn

I was told the same, but I do not remember if in future we can swim in breast stroke?

20

Don't think I'll chance it.  Apparently, the new implant doesn't move in the same way as an original knee. Would hate a dislocation.